Creative Living

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I just got the best X-mas gift anyone could ever get.....a new house back home. My husband and I finally gave up selling our last house and decided to just keep that one off the market for awhile until things improve. Then we started over with a new mortgage ( geezzzzz, now that's a process anymore) and went and bought a house while prices are down.

It is so good to be back where we're from.....back to where the kids and grand kids are. Our kids have been dropping in and it's great to see old friends as well. There is a moral to our story and that is think twice or more if you decide to retire and move away. It just didn't work for us, I missed everything about our old life and really grew to dislike the town we had moved to.

So, back to the blog.....ok, I didn't get 10 days of wreaths, in fact due to moving this is the first year that I don't have a wreath on my front door in, well forever I think. No tree or lights nor any other decorations, they are still at the other house. But that's ok, I've got big plans for next year.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

There are times when I want to go outside the "everyday", when I want to make something that no one else has.

This tree wreath is really different, but still imparts the feeling of the holiday. Since this tree is made from fresh bay leaves, it would also go perfectly inside the house, where you could smell it's fresh scent, like in the kitchen.

For really different wreath forms, you can look online, just google them. Or make your own as I usually do, use wire hangers which can be shaped into any form you like. Wrap the wire with wicker garland, small branches, like willow or even fresh juniper.

These wreaths make great gifts, many women just don't have the time for creating projects like this one.....so make up a couple and give one to a friend, she'll love it.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Wreath hangers have come a long way from the simple hook that can only be described as functional. Take this beautiful hanger, it's metal with lots of flourishes that add alot to the look of the wreath.

These new hangers come in a variety of styles that allow you to match the decor of your door or your home in general. These hangers I found on e-bay, and range in price from $18.00 to $21.00.

If your like me, you might look around your house for something you may already have that could be turned into a "wow" hanger. These hangers remind me of all those metal wall items that you would hang above a door or to add to a collection or grouping. I have seen them at the craft stores for several years now and they can be very inexpensive. Simply add a S hook to the bottom of a metal sconce and you have a very attractive new hanger.

Friday, December 4, 2009

This is one that you and the kids can create together and have alot of fun doing it. Start with a plain metal wreath form as it makes it easy to actually tie the candy on the form.

Buy hard candy that is wrapped in plastic, you can find candy now that has X-Mas prints on it. Tie a 5" piece of the thin ribbon to an end twist and then tie to the wreath frame. If you just tie a knot and leave long tails, you can use the edge of the scissors to curl the ribbon. Fill the form really full and attach a pair of scissors to cut a piece of candy off.

You could really personalize this wreath with toys, old X-mas cards cut into strips and strung together for a garland and then wrapped around the wreath or use gingerbread cookies with your kids names on them.

This is a fun wreath to make and take to your place of business so all your customers can leave with a piece of candy. Or how about making one to take to all those great people who work at your kids school, they all deserve a sweet treat.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

This wreath starts the same as all my other's, with a grapevine form and lots of greens. I used juniper here, which is somewhat flat and can be poked into the form in all the same direction for a swirled look. If you have any other shrubs in your yard that you like, cut small pieces, about 4 or 5" in length and add to the juniper.

Next comes a berry garland which can be found at your fav craft store. These garland's come in all colors, I also have a pink one that looks so nice with the greens. Simply begin to twine the garland around the wreath form and secure with a small piece of paddle wire.

There is almost no end to what you can do with this wreath, add pine cones, a ribbon or I have added whole oranges, which contrast so well with the red berries. Or just leave it as is for a pretty and classic look.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Quite possibly my favorite wreath, the combination of greens and fresh pomegranates makes for a stunning arrangement for the front door. Whether your X-mas decor is classic or country or even Victorian, this wreath works with everything.

I always make my wreaths on grapevine forms, it's easy to insert the greens in the groves of the form and you can easily wire cones or your decorations on them. If you decide to use pomegranates on your wreath, use a strong thick wire to attach them. Since this fruit is very juicy you will want to cover the hole where your wire goes thru the flesh or it will drip all over. I simply take my glue gun and put a small dollop of glue around the wire to seal the hole.

Any fruit looks great on a wreath of greens, try apples, pears or oranges studded with cloves. Please note that if you live in a climate that freezes, you will want to bring your wreath in at night or your fruit will not last thru the season.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

If you have children in your house, they will love having this playful wreath on the front door. It all starts with a simple grapevine wreath form, add to that toys that have a X-Mas theme. Here we have small stuffed figures, all ones that you see during the holidays. These toys all can be found at stores like Michael's or I have great luck at Joanne's for finding small X-Mas items to attach to a wreath.

This wreath has artificial greens and berries although you could use fresh if they are available to you. Hint: save those branches you cut off the bottom of your tree, you can use them for decor just like this wreath.

If the toys you find have long legs, let them dangle over the front of the form.....it will look like they are just sitting there! Attach a small piece of trim board (like a paint stirrer) behind the toys so they will sit straight. Cover this strip with the greens to make it invisible.

Be sure to save this wreath after the holidays by storing it in a box specially made for wreaths. I found them last year at Walmart for about $3.50 for a 16" size.

About Me

Nature objects themselves, even when they make no claim to beauty, excite the feelings, and occupy the imagination. Nature pleases, attracts, delights, merely because it is nature. We recognize in it an Infinite Power. ~Karl Wilhelm Humboldt